‘They’ve got an electrician in their side’ – FA Trophy lights go out on Salisbury

Vanarama National League South Salisbury’s FA Trophy Fourth Round tie with Sittingbourne was in danger of abandonment at half-time following a floodlight failure, thankfully the visitors had a hero in their midst.

Salisbury – who shared a division with Bracknell Town and Hungerford Town last season but won promotion via the play-offs – would have been strong favourites going into the tie with Sittingbourne who are second in the Isthmian League South East Division One (two divisions below) but were tied 0-0 at the break.

A tweet from Salisbury’s account ahead of a resumption in play however suggested trouble was brewing due to an issue with a floodlight at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

It has since been reported by Salisbury that the game was saved from abandonment by a Sittingbourne player who was also an electrician (albeit neither side has named the player involved which seems both a shame and a missed marketing opportunity).

“I’ve just heard somebody say Sittingbourne have an electrician in their side, so there is hope…”

Salisbury’s fans may have wished the game hadn’t been able to continue as shortly after the lights went back on, Richie Hamill scored for the visitors and Henry Sinai made it 2-0 past former Slough Town goalkeeper Dan Lincoln on 90 minutes.

There was a late consolation for the home fans among the 706 in attendance but Ronan Silva’s 95th minute spot-kick didn’t leave much time for a leveller.

Sittingbourne’s reward for the win – and keeping the lights on? – a trip to Roots Hall, the home of ex-Football League side Southend United. We’d expect for that the unnamed Brickies player waived his callout fee.